Overview

• National Records of Scotland reported a rate of 20.9 deaths per 100,000 in 2024, down from 22.5 in 2023.
• Men accounted for 801 of the deaths versus 384 women, with male mortality more than double the female rate.
• Glasgow recorded the highest local rate at 32.9 per 100,000, with Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire and Dundee also above the national average.
• Ministers defended Minimum Unit Pricing as a research-backed policy linked to saving lives, while opposition parties argued it is insufficient and pressed for stronger treatment access.
• Public-health groups urged mandatory health warnings on alcohol and expanded community liver scans, as the government pointed to about £160 million in annual funding for services.